ANT Spy Mission: spot the trap
A kid loses a video game and yells, "I never win at anything!" What kind of trick is his brain playing?
Always/ Never Thinking from the All or Nothing ANT - it's not true every time!
If I don't win, it's not fun.
Example: Games are fun for trying, learning, and spending time with friends too.
A kid shoves his friend after losing a game. What feeling might be hiding under the shove?
Examples: jealousy, disappointment, embarrassment
Someone looks at you funny and you think they're being mean.
Ask them or think of another reason for the look.
Johnny's friend doesn't wave to him in the hallway. He thinks his friend must not like him anymore.
Mind Reading ANT - maybe they didn't see him!
If somebody bumps me, they're trying to be mean.
Example: Maybe they didn't mean to.
A boy blames his sister for breaking a toy when he actually dropped it. What might he be feeling?
Examples: scared of getting in trouble
The whole day stinks because my team lost.
Think of at least one good thing that happened today (Just the Bad ANT)
Daniel misses a soccer goal and thinks, "the game is RUINED!"
Just the Bad ANT - maybe there were some other good moments, maybe you can still win.
My friend doesn't want to come over for a play date today.
Example: maybe they are tired or can't play because they are busy doing something else, not rejecting you.
She overhears someone say she's not good at drawing and decides she's bad at everything.
Examples: hurt, insecure, sad
I know I'll mess up during my presentation.
I don't want to try a new game, I know I won't like it.
Fortune Telling ANT - you can't know for sure unless you try!
I know the coach won't pick me to for the position I want.
Example: maybe he doesn't know I want it because I haven't asked; I might be picked - let's wait and see.
She hits her mom after her mom takes away her tablet.
Examples: angry, annoyed, out of control
I'm in trouble because of you.
Take responsibility for your part instead of blaming (Blaming ANT).
The Blaming ANT - if Liam looked, maybe he could have seen the backpack and stepped over it.
The whole field trip was awful because it rained.
Example: It rained, but we saw cool animals at the zoo.
The player hears laughter after he misses the ball. He then acts mean towards the group.
Examples: embarrassed, defensive/angry, insecure
A friend beats you in a race and you think, "I'm slow, I'm bad at running".
Remember that you can still be fast and have fun - practice and try again (All-Or-Nothing ANT.)